This is your opportunity to work with world-class scientists and engineers to make sure the materials we use are as innovative and safe as possible. Building on your previous academic studies, you can expect to gain an understanding of different materials and their uses, failure investigation studies, research and development, process control and laboratory-related improvement activities.

You’ll also get to work on a variety of different special processes used during component manufacture, such as chemical processing, laser processes, machining, welding, heat treatment, casting, forging and various coatings. This will give you a broad overview as you split your time between our offices and high-tech laboratories, providing a mix of both practical and theoretical experience.

The programme

Initially, you’ll gain foundation engineering skills and knowledge through time spent off-the-job in an engineering skills workshop. You’re going to be working with experienced engineering instructors, completing both written and practical activities.

You’ll then undertake a variety of three to six-month placements in our manufacturing laboratories and specialist materials teams, working with our experienced and knowledgeable people to learn how the special processes we use operate.

Typical placement roles can include:

Assisting our suppliers to deliver products and materials within specification
Statistically analysing and modelling material properties to help Design Engineers understand how they behave in extreme environments
Conducting forensic failure investigations by carrying out metallurgical analysis into a product or material to understand how its performance can be improved and higher product safety can be achieved
Mapping out various technical processes and improving them to reduce cost and improve delivery times
Testing materials to understand alloy composition

These placement opportunities will allow you to work on a variety of laboratory equipment from initial microscopic component preparation through to Scanning Electron Microscopes. This practical experience will be supported by theoretical learning as you undertake a degree in a Materials or Manufacturing discipline. This apprenticeship typically lasts 48 months.

What you’ll get

A competitive salary starting from £13,125

A competitive pension, and 33 days’ holiday per year (inclusive of bank holidays)

Three A-levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above including Maths, plus two other in either Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Electronics or ICT, along with five GCSEs (or equivalent) all at grade 4 or C or above including Maths, English Language and Double Science (or Physics and Chemistry) plus one other subject.

We’re looking for people who are very team-orientated – you’ll spend time with your fellow apprentices on team-building initiatives, including our training course with The Outward Bound Trust.

Who we are

Whether we’re building the world’s most efficient large aero-engine or supporting NASA missions on the edge of space, Rolls-Royce is all about innovation. We invest £1 billion every year into research and development, and file more patents annually than any other company in the UK. Working at Rolls-Royce means being part of a global team of 50,000 bold, curious pioneers, creating cleaner, faster, more competitive power. It means looking to the future, and shaping the world we live in.

Applications will close on 8th March at 00.10am UK Time (GMT) please ensure your application is submitted by this time.